Abstract: A method of rendering computer graphics is disclosed comprising the steps of: processing a set of light particles in a scene to be rendered; selecting a view of the scene, where the view comprises at least one surface, the surface comprising a plurality of pixels; selecting a pixel to render in the view; determining whether an illumination mesh already exists for a surface comprised of the selected pixel; computing an illumination mesh for the surface, when the illumination mesh does not already exist; and rendering the pixel with the illumination mesh.

Abstract: A method and system for color clipping, taking into account the actual color of the surface, while still giving the appearance of a very bright surface that does not result in a washed-out image. A maximum value of the color component is determined. A ratio of the maximum value to a maximum allowable value is determined. A scaling factor is determined based on the determined ratio. The value to be color clipped is set to a value including the scaling factor. The scaling factor is non-linear, for example, logarithmic. In one embodiment, determining the scaling factor further includes computing the scaling factor as the Log10 of the ratio; or includes adding the value 1 to the scaling factor, and multiplying by a variable scale factor. The color-clipped image is then displayed.

Abstract: The method of global rendering allows a three dimensional scene to be rendered accurately and viewed correctly from multiple angles and directions at once. The method includes the steps of placing an object representing a multidimensional texture map into a database, replacing the object with a bounding geometry that completely encloses the object, sampling the bounding geometry with a sample of interest, extracting pixel information from the sample of the bounding geometry, and displaying the rendered object using the extracted pixel information.

Abstract: A method and system for determining lighting in a scene to be measured or displayed on a graphics display, utilizing hybrid radiosity. Radiosity is determined from a light source to a radiosity object(s) in the scene, including determining an amount of illumination received for the object. The amount of received illumination for the object(s) is substantially zeroed out, and the amount of light that needs to be shot from the object's surface is retained. Direct illumination is determined, and added to the light which is to be shot. The direct illumination is determined utilizing ray tracing.

Abstract: The method of global rendering allows a three dimensional scene to be rendered accurately and viewed correctly from multiple angles and directions at once. The method includes the steps of placing an object representing a multidimensional texture map into a database, replacing the object with a bounding geometry that completely encloses the object, sampling the bounding geometry with a sample of interest, extracting pixel information from the sample of the bounding geometry, and displaying the rendered object using the extracted pixel information.